$15k in heroin seized, 4 arrested in Toms River drug bust

Toms River police chief Michael Mastronardy announced the seizure of $15,000 worth of heroin from a local hotel and the arrest of four people.Noah K. Murray/The Star Ledger

TOMS RIVER — More than $15,000 in heroin was seized and four people arrested after authorities raided a Toms River hotel room Thursday, officials said today.

In addition to the 1,513 wax folds of heroin, 16 grams of cocaine and about $12,000 in cash were confiscated from the Howard Johnson’s on Hooper Avenue, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said.

So far this year, the Toms River Police Department has seized more than 14,000 bags of heroin worth over $140,000, he said.

Shane Roberts, 28, of Brick, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute over a half-ounce of the drug, possession of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute, Mastronardy said.

Roberts was being in lieu of $300,000 bail at the Ocean County Jail, Mastronardy said.

Also arrested and charged with heroin and cocaine possession and distribution was Sherita Brown-Roberts, 35, of Brick. She was being held in lieu of $175,000 at the Ocean County Jail.

Also arrested at the scene were Joan Sudano, 56, of Brick, who was charged with possession of heroin and the prescription drug Suboxone, Mastronardy said. She was released on a summons. Sudano's daughter, Christine Sudano, 31, of Lakewood, was also charged with heroin possession and released, he said.